5 Free and Easy Ways To Make Your Dog Happy
Dogs are happy animals, plain and simple. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make them happier with a little trick, treat, or fun activity. Here are 5 tips, compiled by dog-training experts, veterinarians, and animal behaviorists, on making your dog a little extra happy today.
1. Hit the water
Nearly every breed of dog loves water, so prance through puddles, leap into lakes, or just play in a baby pool.
2. Give them a job
You might be tempted to treat your puppy like a child, but they quickly become full-fledged adults who, like most of us, aren’t satisfied unless they’re given something to do. Maybe put them in charge of carrying treats in a backpack during your hikes, or have your dog fetch the keys every time he wants to go outside. It’s a great way to keep them mentally stimulated.
3. Have a dance party
There’s a reason the Canine Freestyle Federation is such a big deal, dogs love to dance! It really shows the bond between a dog and its owner. So whenever you want to have a special bonding moment with your pooch, throw on some tunes and jam out. If you have two left feet, you can just sing a song, and they’ll love it!
4. Make them a popsicle
Frosty tasty treats are great in the summertime, so break out that ice tray and make some yummy snacks your dog will love. In fact, why wait till summer? Those babies are great anytime of year.
5. Give them compliments
Admit it, when someone tells you how good you look or how you nailed that presentation, it makes you feel awesome. Dogs also thrive on positivity and compliments, so be sure to let your dog know each and every time he’s doing something that makes you smile.
Did you ever wonder why does your dog Sniff everything?
"Dogs were born to sniff! From sniffing a tree to another dog's rump, our furry friends spend time sniffing things as a way to either distinguish its components or gather information about its environment,“ explains Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, DVM, medical director, and veterinarian.
Sniffing is part of your dog's experience of the world, and we should give our dogs the space to be their authentic selves, embracing their nature and their instincts. When dogs are allowed to use their noses, they actually display a lot less ‘misbehavior.’ Plus, it makes them happy.
Let your dog sniff, unrushed, during walks but also encourage your dog nose work and natural foraging tendencies with Snuffle Mats. Usually created with fleece strips, Snuffle Mats create a space where treats and food are easily hidden, and this tool is made specifically to entice dogs into sniffing and foraging.
„Snuffle Mat has been a real lifesaver and the best thing to keep my dogs busy, healthy, and happy. I’m especially grateful for it when our walks are shorter due to busy schedules and weather.“
You can make one yourself quite inexpensively or you can purchase them already made. Check out our beautiful collection of Snuffle Mats. Your dog doesn’t care much about its shape or design, and all this variety of design is more for us. What gets dogs' interest are all the bits of treats or food that you will hide among the pieces of fleece.
„I was mind boggled when I read that just 10 minutes your dog spent on Snuffle Mat is equal to 1 hour of walking!“
Besides being dogs favorite toys, using Snuffle Mat is beneficial for their health, and this can:
- Alleviate stress
- Lessens hyperactivity and deter destructive behavior
- Provide mental stimulation
- Encourage slower eating habits
- Initiate sniffing and foraging centers of the brain, which are pleasurable for the dog
- Create mental stimulation for dogs on restricted exercise